Currently on display at Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art on Palm Avenue, Un/Natural Abstractions brings the beautiful with the bittersweet. Bruce Marsh, the Ruskin artist and arguable star of the show, dominates the back wall with a pair of large-scale paintings showing a new evolution for the recognized land- and seascape master, while Leslie Lerner sculptures sit by the window, complementing two paintings from Syd Solomon that the gallery has never shown before. On the opposing wall, beside the ephemeral creations of Mike Solomon, new multimedia work from Tom Judd brings an air of whimsy to the whole affair, and Amer Kobaslija’s studio portraits demonstrate the power of small works.

Curated by Mark Ormond and with an artist reception next Friday, the exhibition smacks of all the things that made Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art a beacon, and will be the final show before the gallery closes its doors at the end of June and vacates the space.

Running through June 15, the decision to end the gallery’s Palm Avenue run with an exhibition of Marsh’s work was a calculated one, according to Sheila Moore, gallery operator and wife of the late Allyn Gallup. When Gallup suddenly passed in November of 2014, he and Ormond had been in the process of hanging a Marsh retrospective, which ended up being something of a farewell show for the gallerist. “So this is a circle,” says Moore. And this time the coincidence was a happy one, with Marsh ready to exhibit new work showing a new direction.

A master of the natural world, from sea to sky to rolling fields, Marsh has always kept the human element at bay in his paintings, barely out of sight and just off-canvas, though often present in its own way. His latest work, however, puts the human element front and center, with the artist showing equal acumen at capturing the human figure as any other natural form. Entitled The Dancers and based off a photo taken by Marsh two years ago, the flagship piece takes the viewer to the top floor of the Whitney Museum of American Art, where a dance company undergoes a public rehearsal.

But while these paintings may be the last to grace the walls at the Palm Avenue location, Moore does plan to re-open Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art at another location, past 10th Street and in the neighborhood of Sarasota Architectural Salvage and the like. A smaller gallery focused on fewer artists, but with more shows, the exact model had not yet been determined, but Moore has time.

“I’m taking a pause,” she says—one she hasn’t had since taking charge of the gallery five years ago. But she has a daughter and granddaughter in Oregon that she’d like to see more of, and several personal ties to Paris that she would like to renew. So she’ll travel a bit, be with her family, and, come December or so, embark on her latest artistic adventure. “I want something new and fresh and different,” she says. “Time for a change.”

Currently on display at Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art, Un/Natural Abstractions runs through June 15. An artist reception will beheld on Friday, June 7.

Pictured: "Morning Gold" by Syd Solomon has never before been displayed at Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art.

Adding lush vitality and natural beauty to the historic Towles Court Artist Colony of downtown, the new-ish “living boutique” Petals in Pots offers a heavenly inventory growing out of its charming blue cottage and out onto its green front lawn. For the dedicated gardeners and plant lovers, it’s a place you walk in to smile.

And beyond sourcing contemporary planters/pots, backyard art and exotic bouquets, the flower shop has a fashionable and reliable supply of rainboots to combat the mud and temperate rainfall for summer gardening season. Sloggers Women's Rain & Garden Boot is made in the USA from 100% recyclable material, is non latex and vegan friendly. The waterproof medical-grade material is easy to hose-off clean and is noted to last for many, many seasons. Sloggers rainboots are just the right height for garden work or damp days around town, and added bonuses prove to be the super comfortable "all-day comfort" removable insoles, heavy-duty lug tread for excellent traction and the bold red, paisley print.

Whether walking the dog in an evening shower, taking the kayak out for a paddle, or in the lawn sludge tending to your tomatoes, these waterproof rubber steppers not only deflect you from summer lightning strikes, but add a super fun and winsome addition to your outdoor attire.

Sarasota Orchestra has announced the organization will broaden its search for the location of a new Music Center beyond the Sarasota City limits. David Steves, Chair of the 18-member Board of Directors, announced the unanimous decision of the Board to expand the search area for a potential site.

According to the organization, pressing calendar constraints and acoustic limitations at the six venues used by Sarasota Orchestra currently hinder growth and future achievement of Sarasota Orchestra’s mission. The orchestra also has urgent need for space expansion for its education programs, which include eight levels of youth orchestra and Young Persons Concerts serving tens of thousands of students.

The orchestra's goal is to pursue a site with a timeline that makes it possible to move into a Music Center within five years.

In response to the announcement, the city released the following statement:

“The City Commission has voted to continue the search for the new home for the Sarasota Orchestra in the City,” said Mayor Liz Alpert. “If the orchestra ultimately chooses to leave its current facility at the Bayfront, we will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to continue this strong, longstanding and productive relationship. City Manager Tom Barwin and his staff will be collaborating closely with the orchestra to advance our collective futures in hopes of coming up with even better options within the City limits than have already been considered.”

The Sarasota Music Festival begins next week, and the first Sarasota Music Festival events open to the public are Master Classes beginning on June 2. Costing $5 per class to observe, Master Classes are taught by renowned faculty and offer students the opportunity to learn from experts in a small group setting. Other first week highlights include:

Artist Showcase 1: Fairy Tales & Fantasy, on June 6 in Holley Hall, showcasing Robert Schumann's rarely-heard Märchenbilder (Fairy Tale Pictures) for Viola and Piano as well as Pierre-Octave Ferroud's Bergère Captive (Captive Shepherd) for solo flute and the world premiere of Andrea Clearfield's Ha-Galgal (The Wheel), a prayerful work inspired by the sound of the shofar. Finally, violist Aloysia Friedmann joins the Montrose Trio for the Piano Quartet No. 1 by Gabriel Fauré.

Festival Concert 1: Triple Crown, on June 7 at the Sarasota Opera House, seeing faculty and students before Bach’s Triple Concerto, one of Antonio Vivaldi’s concertos for bassoon and a performance of Mozart’s only concerto for the oboe.

As part of the international Project1VOICE/1PLAY/1DAY international play reading effort, Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe will present a reading of Crumbs from the Table of Joyby two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner Lynn Nottage on June 17. This is the fourth year that WBTT has participated in the Project1VOICE play reading series, which revives and reintroduces neglected, forgotten and/or underappreciated seminal works by black playwrights.

[Food]Savor Sarasota Returns Next Week With New Options and Old Favorites

The 14th annual Savor Sarasota Restaurant Week returns June 1—14, with almost 90 restaurants participating, including nearly 20 new restaurant options. Throughout this year’s Savor Sarasota event, guests can enjoy prix-fixe, multi-course lunch and dinner menus for just $16 and $32 per person.

This murder and revenge in 19th Century London has shocked audiences. Unjustly imprisoned for 15 years, barber Sweeney Todd returns to take his revenge on the judge who took him from his family. When he partners with Mrs. Lovett and opens a barber practice above her meat pie ship, Todd’s need for vengeance increases. Their notoriety soars until Todd comes face to face with the judge. This thrilling theatrical treat is Sondheim at his very best.

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[TODAY]THEATER:
The Wonder Years , February 6 – June 2

Take a musical ride through the Boomer Years! From the early days of Howdy Doody through the rebelliousness of The Beatles singing “She Loves You” on Ed Sullivan, television helped shape and reﬂect the Boomer journey. Featuring the greatest hits from Boomers’ experience.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota

[TODAY]THEATER:
The Niceties , May 31 – June 30

Zoe is called into her professor's office to discuss her paper about slavery's effect on the American Revolution. What begins as a polite clash in perspectives explodes into an urgent debate about race, history and power.

Urbanite Theatre, 1487 2nd St., Sarasota

[SOON]FESTIVAL:
Art, Animals and You , June 1, 9am - 3pm

Explore the galleries with a scavenger hunt, see what the vendors have in store, enjoy the art of the "Fur, Feathers, Flora & Fauna" exhibit and bring your well-behaved leashed pets for a free Pet Portrait. There will also be 1-hour children's art workshops at this interactive and creative day of family fun.

Don't miss the Evolve Summer Social "Saturday Night Fever" benefitting the Children’s Guardian Fund on June 1st from 7-11pm at the Grove at Lakewood Ranch. Each year, hundreds of children in foster care go without birthday presents or celebrations. Through the proceeds from this event and community donations, the Children’s Guardian Fund can provide $35 Walmart Gift cards to guardians for each child’s birthday. Last year’s event “Havana Nights” raised over $13,000 providing over 370 gift cards.

[SOON]MUSIC:
Keven Aland and Hot Club SRQ , June 3

Join the Jazz Club of Sarasota for dinner, accompanied by the musical stylings of Keven Aland and Hot Club of SRQ, as the Monday Night Jazz Cabaret Summer Series continues. Tickets are $35 for Jazz Club members and $39 for non-members. Dinner service begins at 6:30pm; performance at 7:30pm.

Florida Studio Theatre, 1241 North Palm Ave., Sarasota.

[SOON]MUSIC:
Artist Showcase (AS1): Fairy tales and Fantasy , June 6

Embark on a fantastic journey to faraway places. Various artist will perform to evoke a world of childlike imagination. Also, experience the world premiere of Andrea Clearfield's Ha-Galgal (The Wheel), a prayerful work inspired by the sound of the shofar, for solo horn.

Holley Hall, 709 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]THEATER:
Around the World in 80 Days , June 7 – June 23

Eight actors, 109 characters, six trains, six boats, four flights, one storm, a circus act and an elephant take center stage in this play. When Phileas Fogg and servant Passepartout board the train in London in 1875, he has only 80 days to travel the world to win a wager with his fellow members at the Reform Club. An adventure lies ahead that includes romance, danger and surprises with Scotland Yard pursuing him at every turn.

Asolo Repertory Theatre, 5555 North Tamiami Trl., Sarasota

[SOON]MUSIC:
Four, Two, One (Saturday Symphony) , June 8, 7:30pm

The depth of talent cultivated at the Sarasota Music Festival will be on display as four 2019 Violin Fellows join forces for Vivaldi's Concerto Grosso from L'estro Armonico. 2018 Festival alumni Katherine Arndt (violin) and Cassia Drake (viola) will share the stage for Mozart's beloved Sinfonia Concertante. Finally, pianist Jon Kimura Parker, world-renowned for his energy and onstage charisma, will bring his spirited personality to Beethoven's iconic Piano Concerto No. 4.

Sarasota Opera House, 709 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota

[SOON]FESTIVAL:
World Oceans Day Festival , June 8, 9am

Take part in a fun, family-friendly event celebrating our salty waters. A variety of ocean-themed activities will be available to learn about World Oceans Day. Even get the chance to dip nets into the water and discover the creatures beneath the waves! Learn amazing facts about our large wildlife—like sea turtles in Florida and explore the history of fishing in Manatee County.

Music Compound is excited to announce a partnership with Child Protection Center joining them in celebrating their 40th anniversary fund raising campaign, help us help them by attending our Summer Fest 2019. Enjoy live music, food trucks, bounce house, beer samples, silent auction and other area vendors. This is a family friendly event, everyone is welcome!

Festival-goers will enjoy works from the state’s best talent of crafters and long-time festival favorites along with the newest names on the contemporary craft scene. Come see some of America's best crafters displaying one of a kind jewelry, pottery, plant holders, soaps, and more. Also included will be an expansive green market.

This family-friendly spectacular showcases some of the finest circus artists from around the world, performing acts to thrill audiences of all ages. Show times are 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Tickets for preview shows, June 11-14, are just $12; for the remainder of the run tickets are $16/adults, $12/children 12 and under.

Historic Asolo Theatre, 5401 Bay Shore Rd., Sarasota

[SOON]THEATER:
Come Together: When the 60s met the 70s , June 11 – July 21

With music made famous by Cher, The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, and more, this rockin’ revue explores the changing musical landscape from 1965-1975. Come Together explores the musical soundtrack of one of the most exciting, controversial, and impactful decades our country has ever seen. Featuring hits like “Dream a Little Dream of Me,” “Come Together,” and “Killing Me Softly.”

Attend this raucous Italian-American wedding experience, including the ceremony and ballroom wedding-reception buffet –– complete with wedding cake and dancing! Enjoy the performance alongside the improvisational cast of exaggerated, stereotypical characters. Tony n' Tina's Wedding premiered in New York and was the first immersive theater experience of its kind.

Join us for an evening of deep-dive peer mentorship at the spring SkillSHARE: Mentorship at the Speed of Life on Thursday, June 13, 2019 at the SRQ Studios at 331 South Pineapple Avenue in Downtown Sarasota from 5-7:30pm. Register online by submitting questions from the areas in which you'd like to be paired with a peer mentor for the evening at SRQMAG.COM/SKILLSHARE. Light bites and wine. Registration closes on Friday, May 17, 2019; the registration fee is $25 per person. Limited to 16 mentees. For more information, contact SRQ MEDIA at 941-365-7702 x204.

SRQ Studios, 331 S. Pineapple Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34236

[SOON]MUSIC:
Three Titans (Saturday Symphony) , June 15, 7:30pm

Spend an evening with three titans of the Classical Period of music history: Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. “Papa” Haydn and Mozart were close friends; the young Beethoven studied with Haydn and played for Mozart. Together, these three giants form a family of classicists that transformed the history of Western music in the space of 75 years. The program opens with the young Beethoven’s Octet in E-flat Major for winds. Festival Faculty are joined by Fellows for this boisterous romp of youthful enthusiasm. The concert continues with Haydn’s Symphony No. 80, performed “classical style” without a conductor. The Festival Orchestra will be led by Dallas Symphony Orchestra Concertmaster Alexander Kerr.

Sarasota Opera House, 709 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

SRQ DAILY is produced by SRQ | The Magazine.Note: The views and opinions expressed in the Saturday Perspectives Edition and in the Letters department of SRQ DAILY are those of the author(s) and do not imply endorsement by SRQ Media. Senior Editor Jacob Ogles edits the Saturday Perspective Edition, Letters and Guest Contributor columns.In the CocoTele department, SRQ DAILY is providing excerpts from news releases as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SRQ DAILY. The views expressed by individuals are their own and their appearance in this section does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. For rates on SRQ DAILY banner advertising and sponsored content opportunities, please contact Ashley Ryan Cannon at 941-365-7702 x211 or via email

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SRQ Media transforms what it means to live and love local through its portfolio of hyper-local print and online publications including its flagship city regional SRQ Magazine, its documentary, and video production division Moving Stories and non-profit development division Story Project. The SRQ Media team leverages its strong audience footprint to catalyze visionary community programs such as SB2: Regional Symposia Series, Women in Business, SMARTgirl, SkillSHARE and ProjecThinkby engaging individuals to positively impact their hometown of Sarasota and the Bradenton Area situated on the vibrant West Coast of Florida.

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